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At a time when the government is setting a deadline for the registration and listing of social media platforms operating in Nepal, 31 civil society organizations active in favor of digital rights, freedom of expression and information flow have called on both the government and social media platforms to bear balanced responsibilities. Organizations such as Digital Rights Nepal, ChildSafeNet, Online TV Journalists Association Nepal, Nepal Digital Leads, Freedom Forum, Nepal Internet Foundation, Center for Media Research-Nepal have suggested to the government to advance social media regulation through a transparent, rights-friendly and participatory process.
These organizations issued a joint statement after the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology warned that social media platforms will be closed if they are not registered in Nepal within a week.
It is mentioned in the statement that the move to block access to social media is unbalanced, impractical and against rights, directly affecting freedom of expression, right to information and digital rights guaranteed by the constitution . It has been pointed out that such steps will affect the free flow of information, foreign investment, communication services and Nepali expatriates as well.
"Even though the directive regulating the use of social networks, 2080, which is currently being implemented, stipulates that the platforms must be registered in Nepal, there is a lack of a clear mechanism to ensure its implementation and accountability," the statement said. It has been pointed out that the foreign investment that can come in the field of technology will also be discouraged. "We respect the regulatory role of the state, but in that process, it is necessary to proceed with respect for the international human rights standards, including the constitution and international treaties on civil and political rights approved by Nepal," the statement said.
organizations have suggested citizen engagement, consultation and participatory policy making with the government . Platforms have also been requested to work responsibly in Nepal, adopt transparency and stay in dialogue with the government according to human rights standards.
It has been suggested to ensure the participation of civil society, experts and stakeholders in the regulatory process by asking the government to avoid steps that affect the freedom of expression, right to information and digital rights provided by the constitution. Similarly, it is said that a human rights-friendly legal framework should be created to maintain the accountability of the platforms and bans should be used only as a last resort .
